

City Cast Chicago
City Cast
Chicago’s daily news podcast, fresh every weekday at 6 a.m. Host Jacoby Cochran brings you timely conversations with news and culture makers; activists and artists; bus drivers and students; those who love and hate this place—all in 15 minutes a day. It’s a smart and delightful new way to connect with the city we share. Learn more and subscribe to our morning newsletter at citycast.fm/chicago.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 8, 2024 • 38min
Trump’s Impact on Chicago, Alders Reject Tax Hike, and Some Good News
From the race for president to the first-ever school board election, how could this week’s election results impact Chicago? We’re discussing what lies ahead with The Triibe’s editor in chief Tiffany Walden and Axios Chicago reporter Carrie Shepherd. Plus, alders sound off on the proposed property tax hike, the Johnson administration pushes back, and we’re disconnecting from doom scrolling for a moment.Good News: City Civics Day , Taking a Seat: Resistance and Agency in Public Spaces, Ink + Impact: The Power of JournalismWant some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicagoYou can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246Learn more about the sponsors of this Nov. 8 episode:
Mubi
The Second City
Become a member of City Cast Chicago.Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Nov 7, 2024 • 32min
Chicago's Best Clubs and Parties for a Musical Pick-Me-Up
After a week like this, we’re ready to go out with friends, have a drink, and listen to some good music. That’s why host Jacoby Cochran is talking to CaSera Heining, aka DJ Ca$h Era. As one of the busiest DJs in Chicago, Ca$h Era gives us the scoop on some of the best parties and spots, tips for building a set list, and when it’s okay to request a song from the booth.Spots mentioned:
D.S. Tequila Co.
Chop Shop
Everyday People
Salt Shed
Le Nocturne
Scarlet
Cerise
Broken Shaker
Promontory
Ramova Beer Garden
Tao
Dorian’s
Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicagoYou can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246Learn more about the sponsors of this Nov. 7 episode:
Mubi
The Second City
Become a member of City Cast Chicago.Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Nov 6, 2024 • 36min
How Chicago Voted
Chicago has elected a new school board — or at least half of one. Host Jacoby Cochran, executive producer Simone Alicea, and producer Michelle Navarro are breaking down Chicago’s election night results. From the hybrid school board to Cook County state’s attorney to binding and nonbinding referenda, here’s who won and who lost.Some Good News: Fillet of Solo FestivalWant some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicagoYou can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246Learn more about the sponsors of this Nov. 6 episode:
Mubi
The Second City
Become a member of City Cast Chicago.Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Nov 5, 2024 • 31min
Election Day Tips, Union Sues Pepsi, and Remembering Quincy Jones
It’s Election Day, but before the campaign text messages stop, we’ve got some last-minute reminders for folks heading out to vote today. Plus, the leader of the Chicago Housing Authority is out, Pepsi abruptly closes a South Side plant, and we remember the legacy of Quincy Jones.Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicagoYou can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246Learn more about the sponsors of this Nov. 5 episode:
Mubi
The Second City
Become a member of City Cast Chicago.Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Nov 4, 2024 • 21min
Will North Siders End 120-Year Alcohol Ban?
Even before federal Prohibition began in 1920, a small pocket of what is now Ravenswood and Lincoln Square had already restricted the sale of alcohol. Almost one hundred years after the end of Prohibition, this precinct and all of the businesses in it are still banned from selling alcohol. A ballot measure this election could finally end the century-old law. We speak with Lucia Herrejone, the restaurant co-owner behind the ballot referendum, and 47th Ward Alderperson Matt Martin. Nominate City Cast Chicago for best podcast and Hey Chicago for best email newsletter. Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicagoYou can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246Learn more about the sponsors of this Nov. 4 episode:
Mubi
The Second City
Become a member of City Cast Chicago.Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Nov 3, 2024 • 25min
The Four Cities That Could Decide the Election
This week we’ll be sharing results from our local elections and discussing what they mean for Chicago. But we can’t help but wonder… what’s going on with our City Cast colleagues in swing states? As America white-knuckles its way into one of the closest presidential elections in modern history, City Cast CEO David Plotz sits down with the hosts of our shows in swing state cities: Madison, Philly, Pittsburgh, and Las Vegas. In this special episode, our crew of hosts gives you a locals’ look inside how their cities are preparing for the presidential election and its aftermath. From a peek inside the Pennsylvania election warehouse where mail-in ballots will be counted, to a glimpse at how Dane County, Wisconsin’s early voting is going, you’re invited to hear what the swing states are talking about…with each other.

Nov 1, 2024 • 40min
Property Tax Hike, Transit Board Vote, and Thompson Center Transformation
Earlier this week, Mayor Brandon Johnson announced his $17.3 billion budget proposal for 2025. Staring down a $1 billion budget gap, the mayor announced a $300 million property tax increase to avoid what he said would otherwise be mass layoffs and cuts to critical city services. We are joined by Illinois Answers Project’s Alex Nitkin and City Bureau’s Ariel Chung to discuss other cost-cutting measures, key investments, and the remaining budget season timeline. Plus, we discuss the regional transit authority’s new board, Google’s Thompson Center transformation, and Chicago-area Palestinians returning to their home country for olive harvesting season.Good News: Huge improvement in city tree trimsNominate City Cast Chicago for best podcast and Hey Chicago for best email newsletter. Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicagoYou can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246Learn more about the sponsors of this Nov. 1 episode:
Chicago Board of Election Commissioners
Mubi
BetterHelp – Get 10% off at betterhelp.com/CITYCAST
Become a member of City Cast Chicago.Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Oct 31, 2024 • 32min
Your Guide to November 2024 in Chicago
Whether you’re trying to go out for Thanksgiving this year or just want to order a pie, we have recs for you. From last-minute election tips to best new restaurants to wild turkey facts, here’s what you need to know to enjoy November.For even more ideas on how to make the most of November in Chicago, check out Hey Chicago’s take on what to do this month.If you’re new here, welcome! We’ve put together a starter pack for you, with episodes and articles to welcome you to the City Cast Chicago community.City Cast Chicago’s guide to November is made possible by our awesome sponsors, the Chicago Board of Election Commissioners, Mubi, and BetterHelp (Get up to 10% off at Betterhelp.com/CITYCAST). Find out more about how to become a member of City Cast Chicago.Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info hereReach us at chicago@citycast.fm

Oct 30, 2024 • 29min
The Best South Asian Cuisine On and Off Devon Avenue
Devon Avenue is known as a cultural hub for South Asian Chicagoans. As folks celebrate Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, and traffic picks up in the neighborhood, we are checking in on some of the best Indian and Pakistani restaurants in the city. Eater Chicago editor Ashok Selvam tells host Jacoby Cochran what qualities he looks for in South Asian cuisine and his favorites. Places mentioned:
Tandoor Char House
Annapurna
Superkhana International
Indienne
The Coach House
King Sweets
Art of Dosa
Udupi Palace
Basant
Kama Bistro
Indian Garden
Indian House
Nominate City Cast Chicago for best podcast and Hey Chicago for best email newsletter. Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicagoYou can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246Learn more about the sponsors of this Oct. 30 episode:
Chicago Board of Election Commissioners
BetterHelp – get 10% off at betterhelp.com/CITYCAST
Become a member of City Cast Chicago.Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Oct 29, 2024 • 36min
New School Board, Congress Quiz, and Your Essential Chicago Rules
After the entire board resigned, Mayor Brandon Johnson quickly announced a new slate of school board members. All seven were sworn in on Thursday. Host Jacoby Cochran and executive producer Simone Alicea talk about what happened during their first meeting, plus we've got a Congressional quiz and messages from our listeners. Nominate City Cast Chicago for Best podcast and Hey Chicago for Best email newsletter. Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicagoYou can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246Learn more about the sponsors of this Oct. 29 episode:
Chicago Board of Election Commissioners
BetterHelp – get 10% off at betterhelp.com/CITYCAST
Become a member of City Cast Chicago.Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE